Controlled-access broadcast signal receiving system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for transferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in data. A signal indicating the limited reproduction right is transmitted by the broadcaster and stored by the receiver with the data. The receiver reproduces and processes the data as a function of this signal.

More than one application has been filed to reissue U.S. Pat. No.5,796,828. This is a continuation of reissue application Ser. No.10/320,264, filed Dec. 16, 2002, which is a continuation of reissueapplication Ser. No. 09/641,611, filed Aug. 17, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.RE 38,007, which was an application to reissue U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,828.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to video data communication in which a limitedreproduction right in video data is transferred between a broadcasterand a receiver.

Commonly, video programming is transmitted from a broadcaster to a uservia a satellite or cable communications system. In some systems, usersare able to request, and broadcasters provide, select video programmingthrough the use of individually addressable decoding receivers. Theuser's decoder is activated upon receipt of the user's address which istransmitted along with the requested video programming.

The drawback of such systems is that the user is often able to recordthe requested video programming for later reproduction. This laterreproduction occurs without any royalty payment to the broadcaster orother holder of copyrights in the video programming. Further, therecorded video programming can be disseminated by the user to others foradditional reproductions without corresponding royalty payments.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a system for thetransfer between a broadcaster and a user of a limited reproductionright in transmitted data.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a user to requestfrom a broadcaster a particular limited reproduction right in a selectedvideo program.

Yet another object of the present invention is to prevent thereproduction of transmitted data by a user without adequate payment foreach reproduction.

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for receiving,recording, and reproducing data signals is provided. A receiver receivestransmitted data signals along with an access-control signal, the latterserving to control subsequent processing of the received data signals.The processed data signals are recorded in a first storage medium, andthe access-control signal is stored in a second storage medium. When theprocessed data signals subsequently are reproduced from the firststorage medium the access-control signal is retrieved from the secondstorage medium, and is used to control the reprocessing of thereproduced data signals.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionof illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which the same components are identified by thesame reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a satellite broadcast system in whichthe present invention finds ready application;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a controlled-access broadcast digital videosignal receiving system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controlled-access broadcast digital videosignal receiving system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controlled-access broadcast digital videosignal receiving system according to a further embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a controlled-access broadcast digital videosignal receiving system according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a communication and processingoperation controlled by the controller of the controlled-accessbroadcast digital video signal receiving system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is another flow diagram illustrating another processing operationcontrolled by the controller of the controlled-access broadcast digitalvideo signal receiving system of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a satellite broadcast system incorporating acontrolled-access broadcast signal receiving system 102 according to thepresent invention. As explained in the following, it is preferred thatthe controlled-access broadcast signal receiving system 102 bespecifically adapted to receive and process digital video data.Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that this system can be modifiedto accommodate other digital or analog signals without departing fromthe scope of the invention. As it is understood that the system caneasily be implemented to accommodate other types of data, the followingexplanation is specifically directed towards a controlled-accessbroadcast digital video signal receiving system 102.

The satellite television broadcasting system comprises a broadcastingstation 101, controlled-access broadcast digital video signal receivingsystem 102, an antenna 103, a video display 105, a communication link106, and a satellite 107. Broadcasting station 101 broadcasts videosignals and access-control signals to the controlled-access broadcastdigital video signal receiving system 102 which processes the videosignals as a function of the access-control signals.

Broadcasting station 101 transmits video and access-control signals toreceiving system 102 via communication link 106, satellite 107, or both.Communication link 106 is a signal transmission medium that couplesbroadcasting station 101 and receiving system 102. Preferably,communication link 106 comprises a conventional telephone line.Alternatively, communication link 106 includes any of a number of othertransmission media, such as a land-based broadcast system, a cabletelevision system, a fiber optic network or the like.

Satellite 107 is a satellite broadcast signal relay station thatreceives signals from broadcasting station 101 and relays the signals toantenna 103. Antenna 103 receives signals from satellite 107 andsupplies the signals to receiving system 102. Alternatively, satellite107 can be replaced by any of a number of other transmission media, suchas a land-based broadcast system, a cable television system, a fiberoptic network or the like.

Receiving system 102 receives video signals and access-control signalssupplied by broadcasting station 101 and processes (e.g. descrambles,decodes, and records) the signals. Typically, video signals are recordedon a storage medium and subsequently reproduced for display.Alternatively, video signals are recorded on a storage medium andprocessed for display to a user substantially simultaneously.Access-control signals are stored in a memory or, alternatively,recorded on a storage medium which may be the same storage medium onwhich the video signals are recorded. In a preferred embodiment,receiving system 102 is adapted to receive a storage cassette 104containing a tape on which video and access-control signals arerecorded. Alternatively, storage cassette 104 comprises a tape forstoring video signals and a separate memory, such as a memory chipincluded therein, for storing access-control signals. In otherembodiments, receiving system 102 is adapted to receive any of a numberof other storage media, such as a video disc, a magnetic media diskette,a compact disc or the like. Video display 105, which preferably is aconventional display device, is coupled to and receives video signalsfrom receiving system 102 for display to a user.

In a preferred recording mode of operation, broadcasting station 101transmits video signals to satellite 107 which relays the signals toantenna 103 from which the video signals are coupled to receiving system102. Also, broadcasting station 101 transmits access-control signalsthrough communication link 106 to the receiving system. Receiving system102 processes and records the video signals as a function of theaccess-control signals.

In a preferred reproduction mode of operation, the receiving systemretrieves the previously stored access-control signals and uses thoseaccess-control signals to control the reproduction and processing of thepreviously recorded video signals. The video signals are supplied tovideo display 105 or to another peripheral device (not shown).

An alternate satellite television broadcasting system according to thepresent invention comprises each of the elements described above exceptthat only one of communication link 106 and satellite 107 is included.The alternate system is otherwise interconnected as in theabove-described embodiment. Through the single transmission medium,broadcasting station 101 transmits both video signals and access-controlsignals to receiving system 102.

In another variation, receiving system 102 transmits program requests,payment information, or other signals to broadcasting station 101through one of the transmission media. Typically, communication link 106is used for this purpose.

A first embodiment of the controlled-access broadcast digital videosignal receiving system 102 according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 2 as system 102A. Receiving system 102A, is adaptedfor receiving, descrambling, enciphering, recording, deciphering anddecoding digital video signals; and is comprised of a tuner 20, adescrambler 21A, an encipherer 22, a recording/reproducing section 23A,a decipherer 25, a decoder 26, an access controller 28A, a userinterface 30, and a modem 31.

Tuner 20 receives input digital video signals, selects particulardigital video signals, and supplies the selected signals to descrambler21A. Preferably, input digital video signals are satellite broadcastdigital video signals acquired by satellite antenna 103 which is coupledto tuner 20. Alternatively, input digital video signals are acquiredfrom another transmission medium that is coupled to tuner 20.Preferably, a user controls tuner 20 to select signals from amongdifferent input digital video signals. The selected video signalsinclude a time reference signal and a date reference signal.

Descrambler 21A is coupled to tuner 20 and descrambles scrambled digitalvideo signals supplied therefrom. As is well known in the art,transmitted video signals are commonly scrambled or coded by a signalprovider to prevent unauthorized reception of the video signals.Descrambler 21A supplies an unscrambled version of the digital videosignals to encipherer 22. Further, descrambler 21A is coupled to a clock27 to supply the received time reference signal and the date referencesignal thereto.

Encipherer 22 is coupled to descrambler 21A, recording/reproducingsection 23A, and access controller 28A. When enabled by the accesscontroller, encipherer 22 encrypts, according to an encryption key,descrambled video signals supplied by descrambler 21A to produceencrypted video signals. The encrypted video signals are supplied torecording/reproducing section 23A for recording. However, the encryptedvideo signals cannot be displayed by ordinary means. It is contemplatedthat the encryption key is pre-stored in encipherer 22, or is suppliedby access controller 28A, or is included in the video signals or in theaccess-control signals supplied by broadcasting station 101. Whendisabled by access controller 28A, encipherer 22 passes descrambledvideo signals from descrambler 21A directly to section 23A withoutencryption.

Recording/reproducing section 23A, through a record/playback head 24, orthe like, records on storage medium 40 video signals supplied byencipherer 22. Section 23A, through head 24, also reads previouslyrecorded video signals from storage medium 40 and supplies thereproduced video signals to decipherer 25. Preferably, section 23A is adigital video tape reading/reproducing device (VTR) and storage medium40 is a video tape. However, other types of storage media arecontemplated, such as optical, magnetic or magneto-optic disc,solid-state memory, or the like.

Decipherer 25 is coupled to decoder 26 and, when enabled by accesscontroller 28A, is adapted to decrypt, according to an encryption key,encrypted signals supplied by recording/reproducing section 23A. It iscontemplated that the encryption key is prestored in decipherer 25, oris supplied thereto by access controller 28A, or is included in thevideo signals or the access-control signals supplied by broadcastingstation 101, or is stored in storage medium 40, or is stored in accesscondition memory 29. When disabled, decipherer 25 passes video signalsfrom recording/reproducing section 23A directly to decoder 26 withoutdecryption.

As is well known in the art, video signals are commonly compressed orotherwise coded to facilitate their transmission through a transmissionmedium. Decoder 26 decodes such coded digital video signals asreproduced from storage medium 40 to produce uncoded digital videosignals which are coupled to video display 105 for display. It ispreferred that decoder 26 is adapted to decode digital video signalsencoded in accordance with the Moving Picture Image Coding Experts Group(MPEG) standard.

Clock 27 is comprised of a clock device and a date device for trackingthe time of day and the calendar date, respectively, known to those ofordinary skill in the art. Clock 27 is coupled to access controller 28Aand supplies time signals and date signals thereto. The clock receives atime reference signal and a date reference signal from descrambler 21Aand synchronizes its operation therewith.

User interface 30 is coupled to access controller 28A and supplies userinput signals thereto. The user input signals are generated as afunction of input supplied by a user to the user interface which mayinclude a keyboard or user-operated switches. Typical user input signalsinclude a command to display video signals, a command to recordbroadcast video signals, an authorization code, a request for a specificvideo program, and so on.

Modem 31 is coupled to access controller 28A and to communication link106 and facilitates the communication of signals through thecommunication link between broadcasting station 101 (shown in FIG. 1)and the access controller. As communication link 106 is preferably atelephone line, modem 31 is preferably a conventional telephone linemodem.

Access controller 28A is further coupled to an access condition memory29. It will be appreciated that, as a function of the signals suppliedto access controller 28A by clock 27, user interface 30, modem 31, andaccess condition memory 29, the access controller controls the operationof encipherer 22 and decipherer 25. As will be discussed in greaterdetail below, depending upon whether applicable conditions have beenfulfilled, the access controller enables or disables the operation ofencipherer 22 and decipherer 25. Access controller 28A storesaccess-control signals in and retrieves access-control signals fromaccess condition memory 29. In an alternate embodiment, it iscontemplated that the access controller 28A stores both access-controlsignals and the encryption keys of encipherer 22 and decipherer 25 inaccess condition memory 29.

Access-control signals indicate the conditions, if any, to be placed onthe reproduction of the video component of the selected digital videosignals. These conditions describe the circumstances under which a usermay or may not reproduce the selected video signals. As a function ofthe access-control signals, the selected video signals recovered bydescrambler 21A are processed prior to recording and processed againfollowing reproduction. Depending on the particular conditions andcircumstances, a user can be prevented entirely from accessing theselected digital video signals, given limited access to the signals, orgiven full access to the signals. Such conditions may include, but arenot limited to, one or more of the following: (1) previous receipt of apayment signal from broadcasting station 101, (2) a numerical limit onthe number of times particular video signals may be reproduced ordisplayed, (3) a temporal limit on the reproduction or display of videosignals, and (4) previous receipt of a user authorization code.Preferably, the access-control signals are comprised of simple defaultvalues.

Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is storage cassette 104A which comprisesaccess condition memory 29 and storage medium 40. Storage cassette 104 Ais, as a whole, removably connected to receiving system 102A. Accesscondition memory 29 stores access-control signals indicating theconditions, if any, to be placed on the reproduction and/or recording ofvideo signals on storage medium 40. Preferably, access condition memory29 is an integrated circuit RAM, integrated into storage cassette 104Abut independent of storage medium 40, as has been proposed heretofore,and electrically connectable to access controller 28A. Storage medium 40stores signals recorded thereon by head 24 and is preferably removablyengaged therewith.

Operation of the embodiment of the controlled-access broadcast digitalvideo signal receiving system 102A shown in FIG. 2 will be describedbelow. An important feature of this embodiment is that access-controlsignals, corresponding to video signals that are to be recorded on orreproduced from storage medium 40, are stored in access condition memory29. Access controller 28A controls the operation of encipherer 22 anddecipherer 25 as a function of one or more of the access-control signalsstored in access condition memory 29 and/or received from modem 31. Inthis manner, the encryption and decryption of video signals iscontrolled to prevent unauthorized reproduction of the video signals.

The configuration of the present invention is compatible with manydifferent sequences of signal transfer between broadcasting station 101and receiving system 102A. Examples of useful signal transfer sequences,implemented in different modes of operation of the present invention,will be described in detail below. Through the different modes ofoperation, video programs are securely transferred between a broadcasterand a consumer for recording, but the consumer's ability to display theprograms can be subjected to limitations.

In a first video-on-demand mode, a user enters into user interface 30 arequest for a specific video program. User interface 30 transmits thisrequest to access controller 28A, which, in turn, communicates theuser's request through modem 31 and communication link 106 tobroadcasting station 101. The broadcasting station transmits therequested video program to satellite 107 which relays the video programto antenna 103 and supplies the video signals representing this programto tuner 20. It is expected that several video signals are coupled totuner 20, which selects the particular video signals comprising therequested video program and supplies these selected video signals todescrambler 21A. The descrambler descrambles these broadcast videosignals and supplies a descrambled version of the video signals toencipherer 22. Descrambler 21A also supplies a time reference signal anda date reference signal, which accompany the video program transmission,to clock 27.

Additionally, broadcasting station 101 communicates access-controlsignals through communication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller28A for storage in access condition memory 29. The access-controlsignals serve to define the conditions or limitations, if any, upon theusage of the requested video program. In general, a user can eitherpurchase or rent a particular video program from a broadcaster. In aprepayment method of purchase, a user pays for a video program andsubsequently requests that the broadcaster transmit the program to theuser's video receiving system. Broadcasting station 101 transmits therequested program and an access-control signal indicating that the videoprogram can be unconditionally recorded and reproduced (FULL ACCESS).Access controller 28A stores the FULL ACCESS signal in access conditionmemory 29 to disable encipherer 22. Hence, descrambled video signals ofthe video program are supplied by descrambler 21A through encipherer 22,without encryption, to recording/reproducing section 23A, whereat thedescrambled and unencrypted video signals are recorded on storage medium40.

In a postpayment method of purchase, wherein a user elects to pay for avideo program after it has been received by the user's receiving system,broadcasting station 101 transmits the particular video program toreceiving system 102A along with an access-control signal indicatingthat the video program cannot be reproduced (NO REPRO). Accesscontroller 28A stores the NO REPRO signal in access condition memory 29and enables encipherer 22, causing it to encrypt, according to anencryption key, descrambled video signals of the video program suppliedby descrambler 21A. Encipherer 22 supplies encrypted video signals torecording/reproducing section 23A, whereat the encrypted video signalsare recorded on storage medium 40.

It is contemplated that the user subsequently purchases the videoprogram from the broadcaster. Upon payment, broadcasting station 101transmits an access-control signal to access controller 28A indicatingthat the recorded video program can be reproduced (REPRO OK), and thisREPRO OK signal replaces the previously stored NO REPRO signal in memory29. When the encrypted video signals subsequently are played back fromstorage medium 40, they are supplied to decipherer 25 which is enabledby the stored REPRO OK signal to decrypt the reproduced video signals.

In a second prepayment method of purchase, similar to the postpaymentmethod, the user pays for the selected program prior to itstransmission, but broadcasting station 101 first transmits the selectedprogram to receiving system 102A along with a NO REPRO signal. Accesscontroller 28A causes encipherer 22 to encrypt the video signals of thevideo program and the encrypted signals are recorded on storage medium40 while the NO REPRO signal is stored in access condition memory 29.Upon completion of the video program transmission,, broadcasting station101 transmits a REPRO OK signal; and access controller 28A replaces thestored NO REPRO signal with the REPRO OK signal. Thus, the video programis recorded in encrypted form but the user can reproduce and decrypt theprogram an unlimited number of times. This second prepayment method hasthe advantage of producing video recordings that can only be reproducedin devices having compatible decryption capabilities.

Alternatively, a user can purchase the right to reproduce a videoprogram a certain number (N) of times. The user thus “rents” the videoprogram for N reproductions. In one mode, the user enters a request intouser interface 30 to rent a video program for N reproductions. Userinterface 30 transmits the request to access controller 28A whichforwards the request through modem 31 and communication link 106 tobroadcasting station 101. Broadcasting station 101 transmits therequested video program along with an access-control signal indicatingthat the video program can only be reproduced N times (REPRO N TIMES).The access controller receives the REPRO N TIMES signal and stores it inaccess condition memory 29. The video program is received by tuner 20and supplied to descrambler 21A which descrambles the video program andsupplies descrambled video signals to encipherer 22. The encipherer,which is enabled by the access controller, encrypts the descrambledvideo signals, and supplies encrypted signals to recording/reproducingsection 23A for recording on storage medium 40.

In another rental mode, wherein a user desires to rent a particularvideo program for a certain period of time, an access-control signaldesignating the period of time during which reproduction of therequested video program is authorized is supplied by the broadcastingsystem. For example, the user may request to rent a particular videoprogram for a certain number of days (D). Receiving system 102Atransmits this request via communication link 106 to broadcastingstation 101. The broadcasting station calculates the date Y, as afunction of D, on which the reproduction right should expire, andtransmits the requested video program along with an access-controlsignal indicating that reproduction is allowed until date Y (REPRO UNTILDATE Y). The access-control signal is received by receiving system 102Aand stored in access condition memory 29. The access controller enablesthe operation of encipherer 22; and as described above, the requestedvideo program is received, selected by tuner 20, descrambled,enciphered, and recorded in enciphered form. Subsequently, the encryptedvideo program is reproduced, deciphered (so long as the reproductionoperation is performed prior to date Y) and displayed.

As another example, a user can request to rent a particular videoprogram for a certain number of hours (H). Receiving system 102Atransmits this request via communication link 106 to broadcastingstation 101 which calculates the time T, as a function of H, when thereproduction right should expire, and transmits the requested videoprogram along with an access-control signal indicating that reproductionis allowed until time T (REPRO UNTIL TIME T). The receivedaccess-control signal is stored in access condition memory 29; and theoperation of encipherer 22 is enabled by access controller 28A. Asdescribed above, the requested video program is received, selected,descrambled, enciphered, and recorded in an enciphered form.

Of course, mere are many different methods of expressing the terms of arental. The preceding expressions are intended merely as examples toassist in explaining the present invention and not as limits thereon.Further examples of useful rental terms include: reproduction of a videoprogram for a certain number of hours or of days, or for a period oftime in the future.

Analogous to the prepayment and postpayment methods of purchase, eachrental of a video program can be prepaid or postpaid by the user. Whenthe rental is prepaid, broadcasting station 101 transmits the requestedprogram and the access-control signal specifying the terms of the rentalto receiving system 102A which processes the video program (i.e.,selectively encrypts the video signals) and stores the access-controlsignal as described above.

In contrast, when the rental is postpaid, broadcasting station 101transmits the requested program and a NO REPRO signal to receivingsystem 102A, which encrypts and records the video program and stores theNO REPRO signal as described above. Upon proper payment, broadcastingstation 101 transmits the access-control signal specifying the terms ofthe rental to the receiving system which replaces the NO REPRO signal inaccess condition memory 29 with the newly-transmitted access-controlsignal.

In a further variation, a certain segment of the video program can bemade available for reproduction by a user in a “preview” mode ofoperation. In this “preview” mode a user can view a selected portion ofthe requested video program and later decide whether or not to purchaseor rent the entire video program. In an illustrative implementation ofthe preview mode, the access-control signal corresponding to the previewsegment is a REPRO OK signal and the access-control signal correspondingto the entire video program is a NO REPRO signal.

In a second video-on-demand mode, a user requests video programming froma broadcaster to be transmitted at a later time, perhaps the followingday. The video programming may be, for example, one or more videoprograms selected by the user or a number of video programs selected bythe broadcaster. In the latter case, it is contemplated that the userinitially selects a particular type of video programming or selectsvideo programming provided by a particular video program supplier.

The request for “delayed” transmission of the video programming isentered by the user into user interface 30. User interface 30 transmitsthis request to access controller 28A which communicates the user'srequest through modem 31 and communication link 106 to broadcastingstation 101.

Some period of time later, broadcasting station 101 transmits therequested video programming to satellite 107 which relays the videoprogramming to antenna 103. Preferably, transmission of the videoprogramming occurs during periods when broadcasters are “off-the-air” orduring periods of low viewership of broadcast video signals. Antenna 103receives the video programming and supplies the video signals to tuner20 from which the particular video signals comprising the requestedvideo programming are supplied to descrambler 21A which, in turn,supplies a descrambled version of the video signals to encipherer 22.

In this mode, broadcasting station 101 also transmits two access-controlsignals via communication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller28A. One access-control signal indicates that the video programming isto be erased on a certain date Y (ERASE ON DATE Y) and the otheraccess-control signal is the NO REPRO signal. Access controller 28Astores the ERASE ON DATE Y signal and the NO REPRO signal in accesscondition memory 29. Encipherer 22, when enabled, supplies encryptedvideo signals to recording/reproducing section 23A for recording onstorage medium 40.

Subsequently, but prior to date Y, the user selects a video program fromthe requested video programming stored on storage medium 40 and pays thefee to rent the selected program for a particular rental term. Uponpayment, broadcasting station 101 transmits the access-control signalindicating the appropriate rental condition to access-controller 28Awhich replaces the previously stored NO REPRO signal in memory 29.Hence, the ERASE ON DATE Y signal remains stored in access conditionmemory 29.

Illustrative video signal reproduction modes of operation of receivingsystem 102A now will be described. The process is initiated when a userenters a command into user interface 30 to reproduce a prestored videoprogram recorded on storage cassette 104A. The user interface transmitsthe command to access controller 28A which retrieves the access-controlsignal stored in access condition memory 29 of the storage cassette. Theoperation of decipher 25 is controlled as a function of the particularaccess-control signal(s) that is retrieved.

If, for example, the retrieved signal is a FULL ACCESS signal, thenaccess controller 28A disables decipherer 25. Recording/reproducingsection 23A recovers video signals from storage medium 40 and suppliesthe reproduced video signals to decipherer 25, which passes the videosignals to decoder 26. As described above, the reproduced video signalsare unencrypted; and decoder 26 decodes the video signals and suppliesuncoded video signals to video, display 105.

If the NO REPRO signal is retrieved from access condition memory 29,access controller 28A disables the operation of decipherer 25. However,unlike the FULL ACCESS signal case, the video signals stored on storagemedium 40 are encrypted. Hence, recording/reproducing section 23Areproduces encrypted video signals which are supplied to decipherer 25to be passed directly to decoder 26 without decryption. The decoderdecodes the encrypted video signals to produce uncoded but encryptedvideo signals which are supplied to video display 105. As a result, thevideo display either cannot display the video signals at all or can onlydisplay a distorted version of the original video program.

As a further alternative, access controller 28A may retrieve a REPRO OKsignal from access condition memory 29 to enable the operation ofdecipherer 25. Recording/reproducing section 23A reproduces theencrypted video signals stored on storage medium 40 and supplies theencrypted signals to enabled decipherer 25 which decrypts the videosignals and supplies unencrypted video signals to decoder 26. Thedecoder decodes the video signals and supplies the resulting uncoded anddecrypted video signals to video display 105 for display. Because thevideo signals are uncoded and decrypted, video display 105 displays thereproduced video program without distortion.

As yet another alternative, when access controller 28A retrieves a REPRON TIMES signal from access condition memory 29, the access controller28A determines whether the number N is greater than a predeterminedthreshold value (e.g. zero). If the number N is not greater than thethreshold value, then access controller 28A disables operation ofdecipherer 25 and reproduction of the stored video signal proceeds as inthe NO REPRO signal case. On the other hand, if the number N is greaterthan the threshold value, then access controller 28A enables decipherer25 and reproduction of the stored video signal proceeds as in the REPROOK signal case.

After the video signal is reproduced from storage medium 40, if thenumber N is greater than the threshold value, access controller 28Asubtracts one from the value of N to produce a new value N and writes anew REPRO N TIMES signal, utilizing the new value N, into accesscondition memory 29 whereat the previously stored REPRO N TIMES signalis replaced by the new REPRO N TIMES signal. According to thisprocedure, the particular video signals stored in storage medium 40 towhich the REPRO N TIMES signal corresponds are only reproduced thenumber of times represented by the number N. The value N stored inaccess condition memory 29 thus reflects the remaining number ofpermitted reproductions of the particular video signals. Since theaccess condition memory is provided in the same storage cassette 104A asstorage medium 40, and the video signals are encrypted on the storagemedium, the video signals can only be reproduced for display N timeseven if the cassette is loaded into another receiving system, at leastuntil a new access-control signal is stored.

When, as described above, a video program is rented for only a certainperiod of time, access controller 28A retrieve the correspondingaccess-control signal from access condition memory 29 and also receivesa clock signal and a date signal from clock 27. The clock signal and thedate signal are compared to the retrieved access-control signal and ifthe particular condition expressed in the access-control signal issatisfied such that reproduction is allowed, then decipherer 25 isenabled and reproduction of the stored video signals proceeds as in theREPRO OK case. However, if the condition expressed by the access-controlsignal is not satisfied such that reproduction of the video signals isnot allowed, then the decipherer is disabled and reproduction of thestored video signals proceeds as described with respect to the NO REPROsignal.

For example, when access controller 28A retrieves a REPRO UNTIL DATE Ysignal from access condition memory 29, it compares the date signal fromclock 27 to the date Y. If the date from clock 27 is prior to date Y,then the access controller enables the operation of decipherer 25 todecrypt the reproduced, encrypted video signals. In a similar fashion,when the access controller retrieves a REPRO UNTIL TIME T signal fromthe access condition memory, it compares the time signal supplied byclock 27 with the time T. If the time indicated by the time signal isprior to time T, then reproduction of the stored video signals proceedsas described with respect to the REPRO OK signal.

In an analogous manner, when access controller 28A retrieves an ERASE ONDATE Y signal from access condition memory 29, it compares the datesignal from clock 27 to the date Y. If the date indicated by clock 27 isthe same as or past date Y, then the access controller controlsrecording/reproducing section 23A to erase the video signals stored onstorage medium 40. A suitable control channel, or link, may be providedbetween access controller 28A and recording/reproducing section 23A.

An alternate embodiment of receiving system 102A additionally includes aconnection between descrambler 21A and access controller 28A. Here,scrambled access-control signals that are transmitted by broadcastingstation 101 along with the video signals are supplied to and descrambledby descrambler 21A from which they are coupled to the access controller.In this alternate embodiment, video signals are recorded and reproducedas described above, and encipherer 22 and decipherer 25 are selectivelyenabled and disabled in response to the received access-control signalsin the same manner as has been discussed.

As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of theabovedescribed modes of signal reproduction wherein the user has prepaidfor the video programming can be achieved substantially simultaneouslywith the recording of the broadcast video signals. In such a mode ofoperation, recording/reproducing section 23A functions both to recordthe processed broadcast video signals and to supply the video signals todecipherer 25. Decipherer 25, controlled by access controller 28A,decrypts the video signals as a function of the access-control signal tobe stored in access condition memory 29 and decoder 26 decodes theresulting video signals for immediate display on video display 105.

Another embodiment of the controlled-access broadcast digital videosignal receiving system 102B according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 3. Receiving system 102B differs from aforedescribedreceiving system 102A in that receiving system 102B storesaccess-control signals and video signals in the same storage medium 40of storage cassette 104B.

Recording/reproducing section 23B, through head 24, records on storagemedium 40 in storage cassette 104B video signals supplied by encipherer22 and access-control signals supplied by access controller 28B; andalso reads previously recorded video signals and previously recordedaccess-control signals from the storage medium. The reproduced videosignals are supplied to decipherer 25 and the reproduced access-controlsignals are supplied from the recording/reproducing section to accesscontroller 28B. As before, recording/reproducing section 23B is adigital video tape recording/reproducing device (VTR) and storage medium40 is a video tape, although the storage medium may be a magnetic disc,an optical disc, a magneto-optic disc, a solid-state device, or otherrecordable medium. It is also preferred that the access-control signalsbe stored in one or more sub-code regions of the storage medium.

When enabled by access controller 28B, decipherer 25 decrypts, accordingto an encryption key, encrypted signals reproduced byrecording/reproducing section 23B. It is contemplated that theencryption key is prestored in the decipherer or is supplied thereto byaccess controller 28B, or is included in the video signals or theaccess-control signals supplied by broadcasting station 101, or isstored in and read from storage medium 40. When disabled, decipherer 25passes video signals from recording/reproducing section 23B directly todecoder 26 without decrypting such signals.

As a function of the signals -supplied to access controller 28B by clock27, user interface 30, modem 31, and recording/reproducing section 23B,the access controller controls the operation of encipherer 22 anddecipherer 25 as has been described previously. Specifically, dependingupon whether applicable conditions have been fulfilled, the accesscontroller enables or disables the operation of encipherer 22 anddecipherer 25.

Each signal transfer sequence, including variations thereon, describedabove with respect to receiving system 102A is also implemented insimilar modes of operation of receiving system 102B. It will beappreciated, then, that the modes of operation of receiving system 102Bare substantially identical to the modes of operation of receivingsystem 102A with the following illustrative exceptions. Accesscontroller 28B functions in the same manner as access controller 28A,except that access-control signals are stored, throughrecording/reproducing section 23B, in storage medium 40, instead of in aseparate access condition memory. Recording/reproducing section 23Bfunctions in the same manner as section 23A except that section 23Badditionally records access-control signals on and reproducesaccess-control signals from storage medium 40. The reproducedaccess-control signal are supplied from recording/reproducing section23B to access controller 28B.

Similar to the alternate embodiment discussed in conjunction with FIG.2, an alternate embodiment of receiving system 102B additionallyincludes a connection between descrambler 21A and access controller 28Bso that scrambled access-control signals that are transmitted bybroadcasting station 101 along with the video signals are descrambledand supplied to the access controller. Of course, access controller 28Buses these access-control signals in the same manner as discussed above.

A further embodiment of the controlled-access broadcast digital videosignal receiving system 102C according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 4. Receiving system 102C, is adapted for receiving,descrambling, decoding, recording, and reproducing digital video signalsand is similar to the aforedescribed receiving system 102A of FIG. 2. Asin receiving system 102A, receiving system 102C stores access-controlsignals in access condition memory 29 of storage cassette 104A, whilethe video signals are stored on storage medium 40 of the storagecassette.

FIG. 4 differs from FIG. 2 in that descrambler 21C of receiving system102C is coupled to access controller 28C, recording/reproducing section23A, and decoder 26; and encipherer 22 and decipherer 25 are notprovided as separate circuits. When enabled by access controller 28C,descrambler 21C descrambles video signals supplied by tuner 20 andsupplies an unscrambled version of the digital video signals torecording/reproducing section 23A. Also, when enabled by the accesscontroller, descrambler 21C descrambles video signals reproduced byrecording/reproducing section 23A and supplies an unscrambled version ofthe digital video signals to decoder 26. When disabled by accesscontroller 28C, descrambler 21C passes scrambled video signals fromtuner 20 directly, without encryption, to section 23A and also passesvideo signals reproduced by the recording/reproducing section directly,without decryption, to decoder 26. Scrambled video signals can berecorded but they cannot be displayed in scrambled form.

It will be appreciated that access controller 28C functions in the samegeneral manner as access controller 28A, except that descrambler 21C iscontrolled in accordance with the access-control signals rather thanencipherer 22 and decipherer 25.

At those aforedescribed operational steps where access controller 28Aenables encipherer 22, access controller 28C disables descrambler 21C topass~scrambled signals to the recording/reproducing section; and whereaccess controller 28A disables encipherer 22, access controller 28Cenables descrambler 21C to supply descrambled signals to therecording/reproducing section. However, in the operational steps whereaccess controller 28A enables decipherer 25, access controller 28Csimilarly enables descrambler 21C to descramble the signals reproducedby the recording/reproducing section. Where access controller 28Adisables decipherer 25, access controller 28C similarly disablesdescrambler 21C to pass to decoder 26 signals reproduced by therecording/reproducing section.

In an alternate embodiment of receiving system 102C, access-controlsignals, transmitted by broadcasting station 101 along with videosignals, are received through antenna 103 and supplied by tuner 20 todescrambler 21C for descrambling and for coupling to access controller28C.

A still further embodiment of the controlled-access broadcast digitalvideo signal receiving system 102D according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 5. Receiving system 102D is seen to be a combinationof portions of receiving system 102C and receiving system 102B (FIG. 3).Similar to receiving system 102B, receiving system 102D storesaccess-control signals and video signals in the same storage medium 40of storage cassette 104B. Recording/reproducing section 23B supplies thereproduced video signals to descrambler 21C and supplies the reproducedaccess-control signals to access controller 28D.

It will be appreciated that the modes of operation of receiving system102D are substantially similar to the modes of operation of receivingsystem 102C with the following illustrative exceptions. Accesscontroller 28D functions in the same manner as access controller 28C,except that access-control signals are stored in storage medium 40instead of in a separate access condition memory. Recording/reproducingsection 23B functions in the same manner as section 23A except thatsection 23B additionally records access-control signals on andreproduces access-control signals from storage medium 40. The reproducedaccess-control signals are supplied from recording/reproducing section23B to access controller 28D.

Similar to the alternate embodiment discussed in conjunction with FIG.4, access-control signals, transmitted by broadcasting station 101 alongwith video signals, are received through antenna 103 and supplied bytuner 20 to descrambler 21C for descrambling; and the descrambledaccess-control signals are supplied to access controller 28D. It is seenthat access controller 28D receives access-control signals fromrecording/reproducing section 23B and either from modem 31 or fromdescrambler 21C, or from both.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a preferred mode of operation of receivingsystem 102A of FIG. 2, as controlled by access controller 28A, wherein auser orders from a broadcaster a limited or an unlimited right (as maybe desired) to reproduce a video program. The user initiates the processby entering a request for a particular video program at user interface30. The process begins at step S60, where access controller 28A causesmodem 31 to connect to broadcasting station 101.

Access controller 28A transmits identification information through modem31 and communication link 106 to broadcasting station 101 which checksthe identification information against a subscription list anddetermines whether the user has subscribed to the broadcasting station'sservice, as represented by inquiry S61. If the user is not subscribed,the broadcasting station terminates the connection with receiving system102A in step S62.

If the user is subscribed, inquiry S61 is answered in the affirmativeand operation continues to inquiry S63, which polls the user todetermine whether or not the video program is to be purchased. If theuser enters an affirmative response into user interface 30, operationproceeds to inquiry S64. Otherwise, operation proceeds to inquiry S65.

At inquiry S64, the broadcasting station 101 determines whether the userhas prepaid for the video program and if not, the user is furtherqueried to determine if payment will be made at that time. If the priceof the video program has been previously paid or is immediately paid,then processing proceeds with step S66. Otherwise, processing proceedswith step S67.

In step S66, broadcasting station 101 transmits the video program viasatellite to antenna 103 and transmits the FULL ACCESS signal viacommunication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28A. Accesscontroller 28A disables encipherer 22, allowing the video program to berecorded in an unencrypted form on storage medium 40, and the accesscontroller also stores the FULL ACCESS signal in access condition memory29.

In step S67, broadcasting station 101 transmits the video program viasatellite to antenna 103 and transmits the NO REPRO signal viacommunication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28A. The accesscontroller enables encipherer 22, causing the video program to beencrypted and then recorded in encrypted form on storage medium 40, andthe NO REPRO signal is stored in access condition memory 29.

If the video program is not to be purchased, resulting in a negativeanswer to inquiry S63, the operation proceeds to inquiry S65 whereat theuser is polled to determine whether the video program is to be rentedfor a number (N) of viewings. If the user enters an affirmative responseinto user interface 30, the number N is entered, and operation proceedsto inquiry S69. Otherwise, operation proceeds to inquiry S68.

At inquiry S69, the broadcasting station 101 determines whether the userhas prepaid for the N viewings of the video program and if not, the useris further queried to determine if payment will be made at that time. Ifthe fee for N viewings of the video program has been previously paid oris immediately paid, processing proceeds with step S71. Otherwise,processing proceeds with step S72.

In step S71, broadcasting station 101 transmits the video program viasatellite to antenna 103 and transmits the REPRO N TIMES signal viacommunication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28A. The accesscontroller 28A enables encipherer 22, causing the video program to beencrypted and then recorded on storage medium 40; and the REPRO N TIMESsignal is stored in access condition memory 29.

In step S72, broadcasting station 101 transmits the video program viasatellite to antenna 103 and transmits the NO REPRO signal viacommunication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28A. The accesscontroller enables encipherer 22, causing the video program to beencrypted and then recorded on storage medium 40; and the NO REPROsignal is stored in access condition memory 29.

If the video program is not to be rented for N viewings, inquiry S65 isanswered in the negative and the operation proceeds to inquiry S68whereat the user is polled to determine whether a video program is to berented for viewing until a date Y. If the user enters an affirmativeresponse into user interface 30, the date Y is entered, and operationproceeds to inquiry S70. Otherwise, operation returns step S62,described above.

At inquiry S70, the broadcasting station 101 determines whether the userhas prepaid for the rental of the video program until date Y and if not,the user is further queried to determine if payment will be made at thattime. If the fee for the rental period has been previously paid or isimmediately paid, then processing proceeds with step S73. Otherwise,processing proceeds with step S72, described above.

In step S73, broadcasting station 101 transmits the video program viasatellite to antenna 103 and transmits the REPRO UNTIL DATE Y signal viacommunication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28A. The accesscontroller enables encipherer 22, causing the video program to beencrypted and then recorded in encrypted form on storage medium 40.Access controller 28A also stores the REPRO UNTIL DATE Y signal inaccess condition memory 29.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a preferred mode of operation of receivingsystem 102A of FIG. 2 wherein a user seeks to reproduce a selectedpreviously recorded video program. The user initiates the process bysupplying a request to reproduce a prerecorded video program at userinterface 30 and the process begins at step S80, where access controller28A retrieves from access condition memory 29 the access-control signalcorresponding to the selected video program. The process proceeds toinquiry S81 whereat the access controller determines if theaccess-control signal is the NO REPRO signal. If so, processing proceedswith step S86; otherwise, processing proceeds to inquiry SS2.

In step S86, access controller 28A causes modem 31 to connect tobroadcasting station 101 and transmits identification information andprogram information to the broadcasting station. Processing thenproceeds to inquiry S88 which queries the user to determine if paymentof the full purchase price for the video program will be made at thattime. If the purchase price of the video program is paid, thenprocessing proceeds with step S93. Otherwise, processing proceeds toinquiry S89.

In step S93, broadcasting station 101 transmits the REPRO OK signal viacommunication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28A whichstores the REPRO OK signal in access condition memory 29, replacing theNO REPRO signal, and processing proceeds to step S97. In step S97, theaccess controller enables decipherer 25; and the selected video programwhich is reproduced from storage medium 40 is decrypted by decipherer25, decoded by decoder 26, and supplied for display to video display105.

If the retrieved access-control signal is not the NO REPRO signal, asrepresented by a negative answer to inquiry S81, inquiry S82 determineswhether the access-control signal is the REPRO N TIMES signal. If so,processing proceeds with step S94. Otherwise, processing proceeds toinquiry S83. In step S94, access controller 28A decrements N by one,debiting the single reproduction which will immediately follow. Further,the REPRO N−1 TIMES signal is stored in access condition memory 29,replacing the access-control signal previously stored there, andprocessing proceeds to step S97 to reproduce and decrypt the videosignal, described above.

If the retrieved access-control signal is not the REPRO N TIMES signal,inquiry S83 is made to determine if the access-control signal is theREPRO UNTIL DATE Y signal. If so, processing proceeds to inquiry S87.Otherwise, processing proceeds to inquiry S84. Inquiry S87 compares thedate signal supplied by clock 27, indicating the current date, with dateY. If the current date is prior to date Y, then processing proceeds tostep S97, described above. Otherwise, processing proceeds to step S90,whereat access controller 28A determines that the applicable conditionhas not been satisfied and therefore no video signal reproduction isauthorized. The access controller thereafter terminates the connectionwith broadcasting station 101.

If the retrieved access-control signal is neither the NO REPRO nor theREPRO N TIMES nor the REPRO UNTIL DATE Y signal, inquiry S84 determinesif the access-control signal is the REPRO OK signal. If it is,processing proceeds with step S97, described above. Otherwise,processing advances to inquiry S85 whereat access controller 28Adetermines if the access-control signal is the FULL ACCESS signal. Ifso, processing proceeds with step S96. Otherwise, processing proceedswith step S92.

In step S92, access controller 28A determines that it has failed torecognize the particular access-control signal stored in conditionaccess memory 29, if any. Lacking a recognizable access-control signal,no video signal reproduction is authorized. Access controller 28Aterminates the connection with broadcasting station 101. It should beappreciated that step S92 can be replaced with additional access-controlsignal definitions to provide further processing and access-controlsignal permutations.

In step S96, access controller 28A disables decipherer 25, andrecording/reproducing section 23A reproduces the selected video programfrom storage medium 40. The reproduced video program passes throughdecipherer 25 for decoding by decoder 26, and is supplied to videodisplay 105 for display.

If the retrieved access-control signal is the NO REPRO signal andpayment of the full purchase price is not made, inquiry S88 is answeredin the negative and the process advances to inquiry S89, which queriesthe user to determine if the fee for N viewings of the video programwill be paid. If the fee for N viewings of the video program is paid,then broadcasting station 101 transmits the REPRO N TIMES signal viacommunication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28A, andprocessing proceeds with step S94, described above. Otherwise,processing proceeds to inquiry S91 which queries the user to determineif the fee for rental of the video program until date Y will be paid. Ifthe fee for such a rental is paid, then processing proceeds with stepS95. Otherwise, processing proceeds with step S90, described above.

In step S95, broadcasting station 101 transmits the REPRO UNTIL DATE Ysignal via communication link 106 and modem 31 to access controller 28Awhich stores the REPRO UNTIL DATE Y signal in access condition memory29, replacing the NO REPRO signal, and processing proceeds to step S97,described above.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate themodifications to be made to die flow diagrams of FIGS. 6 and 7 tocontrol the operation of the controlled-access broadcast video signalrecording systems shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Hence, in the interest ofbrevity, further description of such modified flow diagrams is not made.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention andmodifications thereof have been described in detail herein, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to these preciseembodiments and modifications, and that other modifications andvariations may be effected therein by one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by theappended claims. For example, it is contemplated that a broadcast videoprogram can be processed by an apparatus according to the presentinvention for display to a user without a preceding or simultaneousrecording of the video program.

1. Apparatus for receiving, recording, and reproducing data signals,comprising: receiving means for receiving said data signals and anaccess-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants usersrights to reproduce said data signals; processing means, coupled to saidreceiving means, for processing said data signals to produce processeddata signals; control means for controlling said processing means inresponse to said access-control signal; storage means for storing saidprocessed data signals and for storing said access-control signal; meansfor reproducing said stored processed data signals to produce reproduceddata signals and for retrieving said stored access-control signal; andreprocessing means coupled to said control means for reprocessing saidreproduced data signals in response to said retrieved access-controlsignal.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said data signals aredigital video data signals.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 whereinsaid receiving means receives said data signals and said access-controlsignal from a broadcasting station.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 1wherein said receiving means further comprises a tuner for receivingbroadcast signals.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein saidreceiving means further comprises a modem for receiving saidaccess-control signal.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidreceiving means further comprises a modem for receiving saidaccess-control signal.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidreceiving means further comprises a user interface for receiving saidaccess-control signal from a user.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 1wherein said processing means comprises a descrambler.
 9. Apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein said processing means comprises adescrambler and an encipherer and wherein said reprocessing meanscomprises a decipherer.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein saidprocessing means comprises an encipherer and wherein said reprocessingmeans comprises a decipherer.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 1 whereinsaid processed data signals are stored on a record medium and saidaccess-control signal is stored in a separate storage medium. 12.Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said record medium is a videotape.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said separate storagemedium is an integrated circuit memory.
 14. Apparatus according to claim1 wherein said processed data signals and said access-control signalboth are stored on a common record medium.
 15. Apparatus according toclaim 1 further comprising a clock, coupled to said receiving means andto said control means, for supplying a clock signal to said controlmeans; wherein said data signals include a clock reference signal; andwherein said clock signal is synchronized with said clock referencesignal.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a decoder,coupled to said reprocessing means, for decoding said reprocessed datasignals.
 17. Apparatus for receiving and recording data signals,comprising: receiving means for receiving said data signals and anaccess-control signal generated by a remote provider which grants usersrights to reproduce said data signals; processing means, coupled to saidreceiving means, for processing said data signals to produce processeddata signals; control means for controlling said processing means inresponse to said access-control signal; and storage means for storingsaid processed data signals and said access-control signal. 18.Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said processing means comprisesa descrambler.
 19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein saidprocessing means further comprises an encipherer.
 20. Apparatusaccording to claim 17 wherein said processing means comprises anencipherer.
 21. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said storagemeans comprises a storage cassette.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 21wherein said storage cassette contains a record medium on which saidprocessed data signals are recorded and an integrated circuit memory inwhich said access-control signal is stored.
 23. Apparatus forreproducing processed data signals, comprising: means for reproducingstored processed data signals to produce reproduced data signals and forretrieving a stored access-control signal generated by a remote providerwhich grants users rights to reproduce said data signals; reprocessingmeans for reprocessing said reproduced data signals to producereprocessed data signals; and control means for controlling saidreprocessing means in response to said retrieved access-control signal.24. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said reprocessing meanscomprises a descrambler.
 25. Apparatus according to claim 23 whereinsaid reprocessing means comprises a decipherer.
 26. Apparatus accordingto claim 23 wherein said processed data signals and said access-controlsignals are stored in a storage cassette.
 27. A method for transferringfrom a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproduction right in data,comprising the steps of: transmitting from said broadcaster to saidreceiver an access-control signal generated by a remote provider andsaid data, said access-control signal indicating said limitedreproduction right; receiving, at said receiver, said access-controlsignal and said data; processing, at said receiver, said data inresponse to said access-control signal to produce processed data;storing, at said receiver, said processed data and said access-controlsignal; retrieving, at said receiver, said stored access-control signal;reproducing, at said receiver, said stored processed data to producereproduced data; and reprocessing, at said receiver, said reproduceddata in response to said retrieved access-control signal.
 28. Themethod, according to claim 27, wherein said limited reproduction rightis the right to reproduce said data N times.
 29. The method, accordingto claim 27, wherein said limited reproduction right is the right toreproduce said data until date Y.
 30. The method, according to claim 27,wherein said limited reproduction right is the right to reproduce saiddata until time T.
 31. The method, according to claim 27, wherein saiddata is transmitted in scrambled form and said step of processing saiddata comprises descrambling said data.
 32. The method, according toclaim 31, wherein said step of processing said data further comprisesenciphering said data; and wherein said step of reprocessing saidreproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data.
 33. Themethod, according to claim 27, wherein said step of processing said datacomprises enciphering said data; and wherein said step of reprocessingsaid reproduced data comprises deciphering said reproduced data.
 34. Themethod, according to claim 27, wherein said data is transmitted andstored in scrambled form, and said step of reprocessing said reproduceddata comprises descrambling said reproduced data.
 35. The method,according to claim 27, wherein said processed data and saidaccess-control signal are stored on a storage cassette.
 36. A method fortransferring from a broadcaster to a receiver a limited reproductionright in prerecorded data, comprising the steps of: transmitting fromsaid broadcaster to said receiver an access-control signal generated bya remote provider, said access-control signal indicating said limitedreproduction right; receiving, at said receiver, said access-controlsignal; reproducing, at said receiver, said prerecorded data; andprocessing, at said receiver, said reproduced data in response to saidaccess-control signal.
 37. The method, according to claim 36, whereinsaid step of processing said reproduced data comprises deciphering saidreproduced data.
 38. The method, according to claim 36, wherein saidstep of processing said reproduced data comprises descrambling saidreproduced data.
 39. A method for reproducing prerecorded datacomprising the steps of: reproducing an access-control signal generatedby a remote provider which grants users rights to reproduce said datasignals from a first storage medium; reproducing processed data from asecond storage medium in response to said access-control signal toproduce reproduced data; and reprocessing said reproduced data inresponse to said access-control signal.
 40. A method for erasingprerecorded data stored on a record medium in response to anaccess-control signal stored in a separate memory, comprising the stepsof: retrieving said access-control signal from said separate memory;determining that said access-control signal is an ERASE signal; anderasing data stored on said record medium in response to said ERASEsignal.
 41. Reproduction control apparatus for controlling thereproduction of data signals recorded in encrypted form on a recordmedium, comprising: a playback unit for playing back the encrypted datasignals and access control information from said record medium, saidaccess control information representing user rights, granted by a remoteprovider, to play back said data signals; an access control unit thatuses said access control information for determining whether said playedback encrypted data signals should be decrypted, said access controlunit updating said access control information when predeterminedconditions permitting the reproduction of said data signals aresatisfied; and a decrypting unit for decrypting said reproduced datasignals only if the access control information used by said accesscontrol unit permits reproduction.
 42. The reproduction controlapparatus of claim 41, wherein said access control information isreceived from said remote provider.
 43. The reproduction controlapparatus of claim 41 wherein the access control information played backfrom said record medium prohibits the reproduction of said data signals;and said reproduction control apparatus further includes a receivingunit for receiving updated access control information to replace theplayed back access control information so as to permit the reproductionof said data signals.
 44. The reproduction control apparatus of claim43, wherein said predetermined conditions include the authorization ofpayment for permission to reproduce said data signals.
 45. Thereproduction control apparatus of claim 41, wherein said access controlinformation permits reproduction of said data signals only apredetermined number of times.
 46. The reproduction control apparatus ofclaim 41, wherein said access control information permits reproductionof said data signals only until a predetermined date is reached.
 47. Thereproduction control apparatus of claim 43, wherein said receiving unitincludes a radio wave receiver to receive updated access controlinformation via radio waves.
 48. The reproduction control apparatus ofclaim 41, wherein said record medium is a disk.
 49. The reproductioncontrol apparatus of claim 48, wherein said disk is a magnetic disk. 50.The reproduction control apparatus of claim 48, wherein said disk isvideo disk.
 51. The reproduction control apparatus of claim 41, whereinsaid data signals are video signals.
 52. The reproduction controlapparatus of claim 51, further comprising a video display for displayingthe decrypted video signals.
 53. A method of controlling thereproduction of data signals recorded in encrypted form on a recordmedium, comprising the steps of: playing back the encrypted data signalsand access control information from said record medium, said accesscontrol information representing user rights, granted by a remoteprovider, to play back said data signals; using said access controlinformation to determine whether said played back encrypted data signalsshould be decrypted; updating said access control information whenpredetermined conditions permitting the reproduction of said datasignals are satisfied; and decrypting said reproduced data signals onlyif the updated access control information permits reproduction.
 54. Themethod of claim 53, wherein said access control information is updatedfrom said remote provider.
 55. The method of claim 53 wherein the accesscontrol information played back from said record medium prohibits thereproduction of said data signals; and wherein said updated accesscontrol information is derived from a remote source to replace theplayed back access control information so as to permit the reproductionof said data signals.
 56. The method of claim 53, wherein saidpredetermined conditions include the authorization of payment forpermission to reproduce said data signals.
 57. The method of claim 53,wherein said access control information permits reproduction of saiddata signals only a predetermined number of times.
 58. The method ofclaim 53, wherein said access control information permits reproductionof said data signals only until a predetermined date is reached.
 59. Themethod of claim 54, wherein updated access control information isreceived from said remote provider via radio waves.
 60. A method oftransferring to a receiver conditional access to data, said methodcomprising the steps of: receiving a request for said data from saidreceiver; receiving a request from said receiver, defining a time limitor time duration to reproduce said data; transmitting said data to saidreceiving apparatus; transmitting information to generate at saidreceiver time information defining the time limit or time durationrepresenting the rights granted by a remote provider to a user toreproduce said data; and transmitting a time reference signal to saidreceiver.
 61. The method of claim 60, wherein said data is encrypted.62. The method of claim 60, wherein said data is compressed.
 63. Themethod of claim 60, wherein said transmitting information defines a timeof day.
 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the received request definesa number of hours.
 65. The method of claim 60, wherein said transmittinginformation defines a calendar date.
 66. The method of claim 65, whereinthe received request defines a number of days.
 67. A method of obtainingconditional access at a receiver to data, said method comprising thesteps of: transmitting a request for said data to a provider;transmitting a request defining a time limit or time duration toreproduce said data; receiving said data from said provider; receivinginformation to generate time information defining the time limit or timeduration representing the rights granted by said provider to a user toreproduce said data; receiving from said provider a time referencesignal for use with a clock at said receiver; recording said data andsaid time information on a recording medium; and reproducing said databased on said time information and said time reference signal.
 68. Themethod of claim 67, wherein said data is encrypted.
 69. The method ofclaim 67, wherein said data is compressed.
 70. The method of claim 67,wherein the received time reference signal is used to synchronize theclock with time of day and calendar date.
 71. The method of claim 70,wherein the request defining a time limit represents number of hours forreproducing said data, and said received information defines a time ofday.
 72. The method of claim 70, wherein the request defining a timeduration represents number of days for reproducing said data, and saidreceived information defines a calendar date.
 73. Apparatus fortransferring to a receiver conditional access to data, comprising: meansfor receiving a request for said data from said receiver; means forreceiving from said receiver, a request defining a time limit or timeduration to reproduce said data; and a transmitter for transmitting tosaid receiving apparatus (a) said data, (b) information to generate atsaid receiver time information defining the time limit or time durationrepresenting the rights granted by a remote provider to a user toreproduce said data, and (c) a time reference signal.
 74. The apparatusof claim 73, wherein said data is encrypted.
 75. The apparatus of claim73, wherein said data is compressed.
 76. The apparatus of claim 73,wherein said transmitted information defines a time of day.
 77. Theapparatus of claim 76, wherein the received request defines a number ofhours.
 78. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein said transmittedinformation defines a calendar date.
 79. The apparatus of claim 78,wherein the received request defines a number of days.
 80. Apparatus forobtaining conditional access at a receiver to data, comprising: atransmitter for transmitting to a provider a request for said data and arequest defining a time limit or time duration to reproduce said data; areceiver for receiving from said provider, said data, information togenerate time information defining the time limit or time durationrepresenting the rights granted by said provider to a user to reproducesaid data, and a time reference signal for use with a clock at saidreceiver; a recorder for recording said data and said time informationon a recording medium; and a reproducer for reproducing said data basedon said time information and said time reference signal.
 81. Theapparatus of claim 80, wherein said data is encrypted.
 82. The apparatusof claim 80, wherein said data is compressed.
 83. The apparatus of claim80, wherein the received time reference signal is used to synchronizethe clock with time of day and calendar date.
 84. The apparatus of claim83, wherein the request defining a time limit represents number of hoursfor reproducing said data, and said received information defines a timeof day.
 85. The apparatus of claim 83, wherein the request defining atime duration represents number of days for reproducing said data, andsaid received information defines a calendar date.